Jose Mourinho demands more consistency from Manchester United in order to compete with Manchester City

United handed the title to City with their surprise defeat to West Bromwich Albion

Jose Mourinho believes Manchester United must learn to be more consistent (Getty)

Jose Mourinho has warned his Manchester United players that they must become more consistent if they are to compete with Manchester City next season.

City were confirmed as Premier League champions on Sunday after United suffered a shock defeat to bottom-of-the-table West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford.

Just eight days on from their pulsating comeback to win the Manchester derby 3-2, United put in a limp and lacklustre performance that was eventually punished by Jay Rodriguez’s 73rd-minute header.

Mourinho described his side as “masters of complication” after the final whistle and suggested that some of his players may have become complacent following last weekend’s win over City.

The United manager went on to insist that his methods can bring success back to Old Trafford, but he called for more consistency from his players in order to end United’s five-year wait for a league title.

“I think with my experience, you don’t win titles with inconsistency,” he said.

“You win titles of course with quality, without quality you have no chance, but you win titles with consistency, and consistency at every level.

"Not just the performance level but also the mental level, the day by day, everything must be consistent until the last day. One of the things we have to improve is consistency."

Mourinho also defended his personal record, making reference to his three Premier League titles with Chelsea and five others won at Porto, Internazionale and Real Madrid.

“I trust in my work. That is for sure. I have no reason not to trust," he said, when asked whether he believes United can compete with City next year.

"Eight titles are eight titles, and three Premier Leagues are three Premier Leagues, and the last Premier League was not 20 years ago, it was three years ago and I know how to win. I believe in myself but I don’t play.”